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Is Kingston, Ontario Still Worth It for Real Estate Investors?

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  A ground-level view on cost of living, buying power, and whether it makes sense anymore Let me be straight with you: I’m having a hard time making the numbers work in Ontario right now. And I’m not sure anyone is being honest enough about it. I work in real estate. I’ve seen how things get built, priced, and sold. So when I look at the cost of living in Kingston - and Ontario broadly - and then compare it to what you’re actually getting for your money, something doesn’t add up. This isn’t doom and gloom. It’s just an honest look at what the market is actually doing and what it means if you’re thinking about buying investment property here. The Cost of Living Reality Check Kingston used to be one of those “hidden gem” cities. Smaller than Toronto, cheaper than Ottawa, decent rental market because of Queen’s University and RMC. That story made sense five years ago. Today? Not so much. AVG. HOME PRICE $600K+ Kingston, 2024–25 AVG. RENT (2BR) $2,100+ Per month GROCERY COST HIGH vs. c...
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5 Compelling Reasons Why You Should Use a Property Management Company

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Are you a property owner struggling to balance managing your investments with your personal life? Or are you a real estate investor aiming to expand your portfolio without getting bogged down by day-to-day operations? Regardless of your situation, working with a property management company could be the solution you need. Here are five reasons why teaming up with a property management firm is a smart move: Time is Money: Managing rental properties is like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle - time-consuming and potentially hazardous! By outsourcing these tasks, you free up your time and energy for more profitable endeavors or personal enjoyment. It's a win-win: you gain peace of mind while your investments continue to generate income. Expertise and Experience: Property management requires a deep understanding of local markets, laws, and maintenance practices. Professional managers bring years of experience and industry knowledge to ensure your properties are well-mana...
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SiZe - Does it matter?

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Ah, the age-old question. Does size matter? Any house can feel like home if you put the right time, care, and people into it. Homes come in all shapes and sizes, allowing us to have some options when looking into a house to make our home. Is it better to have a larger home or a smaller home? When looking into buying a new home, many people think they should aim to get the largest house they can afford (sometimes not afford). But square feet per dollar is not always the best measurement of a house’s worth. Let me show you some of the perks of owning a smaller home and of course some of the cons.  Pro:  Lower bills. Just think of all the space you won’t be heating in the winter and cooling in the summer! In a smaller home, you’ll notice lower utility bills all around. Another expense that will likely decrease is the amount you spend on furniture for your home. you will have to buy less of it. You’re less likely to hoard a bunch of stuff you don’t need. If you’re limited on ...
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Getting your home market-ready!

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  Welcome, fellow homeowner! So, you've decided to sell your beloved abode? Congratulations! But before we stick that "For Sale" sign in your front yard, let's talk about getting your home ready for the market. Yes, that's right, your home. Selling a home can be stressful, but why not inject some laughter into the process. So, grab your sense of humor (and maybe a glass of wine), and let's dive into the absurdity of preparing your home to impress potential buyers! The Great Decluttering Debacle: Ah, decluttering – the art of turning your home from "organized chaos" to "Pinterest-worthy perfection." But let's be real, if clutter were an Olympic sport, most of us would be gold medalists. So, embrace the chaos with a laugh! Pretend you're training for the clutter-clearing championships and make a game out of it. Bonus points if you find treasures you forgot you owned, like that unicorn-shaped candle holder from your weird aunt Mildred....
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Yard-to-Table: Backyard Chickens

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Backyard chickens are the unsung heroes of suburban bliss; clucking their way into our hearts and refrigerators with an egg-cellent performance.  First off, there's nothing quite like starting your day with a breakfast so farm-to-table, you practically still hear the hen cackling. Plus, they're nature's alarm clock, providing wake-up calls more reliable than your smartphone's snooze button. But let's not overlook their entertainment value. Chicken drama rivals anything you'll find on reality TV—drama, romance, and the occasional squabble over who gets the best perch. So, whether you're a seasoned suburban farmer or just someone with a penchant for poultry puns, backyard chickens are the ultimate feathered friends, adding a touch of cluck-tastic charm to any backyard. However, If you're considering getting backyard chickens in Kingston, there are a few steps you'll need to take to ensure you're compliant with local regulations and prepared to car...
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Kingston for a day

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Planning a visit to Kingston? Or perhaps you have some friends coming from out of town? Heck, maybe you have lived here all your life and have no idea what to do! Well let's look at a pretty awesome way to spend a day in Kingston.  Morning: Breakfast at Pan Chancho Bakery & Café: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at this cozy café known for its freshly baked goods and artisanal coffee. Try their signature pastries or opt for a hearty breakfast sandwich to fuel up for the day ahead. Visit the Waterfront : Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Kingston waterfront. Enjoy the scenic views of Lake Ontario and explore Confederation Park. Tour City Hall : Step inside Kingston City Hall to admire its stunning architecture and learn about the city's history. Guided tours are available to explore the building's grand interior and discover interesting facts about its construction and significance. Midday: Lunch at Woodenheads Gourmet Pizza: Treat yourself to a g...
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The hard truth - selling your home costs money

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Look at all that equity... I bet you want to take advantage of it... But how much will you actually get?  Selling a home doesn't come without it's share of expenses. Let's take a look at some of the common costs associated with selling a home in Ontario. 1.  Home Repairs  and Improvements Sellers may need to make repairs  or improvements to their homes to make them more marketable. The cost of these can vary significantly depending on the condition of the property. 2. Commission In many cases, sellers work  with realtors to list and sell their homes. Standard commission in Ontario is around 5% of the sale price, and is shared between the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent. 3. Legal Fees Sellers typically hire a real estate  lawyer to handle the legal aspects of the sale. Legal fees very, but generally range between $800 - $1000 depending on the complexity of the sale. 4. Pre-Sale Home Inspection Some sellers opt to have a  pre-sale inspection to iden...
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Selling Your Home - A Guide

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Selling your home with me can be as easy as ordering poutine! (Classic poutine - none of this pickle, butter chicken stuff). I’ve mastered the art of turning real estate transactions into a seamless journey. I’m your go-to guide for a drama free selling experience. Here are the general steps to help you through the process and get a SOLD sign in your front yard. Let's Talk Money The first step is to determine the market value of your home by researching recent sales and current listings in your area. We then take this data, perform some fun calculations, and arrive at a magical price that attracts the most amount of buyers and gets you the highest amount. Look Your Best Homes that show well sell quicker. I’m not saying do major renovations, but tending to any minor repairs and maintenance can make a world of difference. Declutter and depersonalize. Buyers want to envision themselves in “their new home”. This is hard to do when your dirty laundry is piled in a corner, or you have a...
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